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2009 Kia Optima Safety Review

February 19, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Unfortunately, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are grouped together in an option package
Cars.com

Five stars, front impact; five stars, side impact
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset impact; "acceptable," side impact
IIHS

The 2009 Kia Optima earns some of the best safety ratings of any vehicle on the road, but TheCarConnection.com's research reveals a few flaws with the Kia Optima's safety features.

When it comes to crash-test ratings, you won't find many better than the 2009 Kia Optima's. NHTSA awards the Kia Optima perfect five-star ratings in both the front impact and side impact categories, while the Optima also scores four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS results are comforting as well, with the Kia Optima garnering the highest possible rating of "good" for the frontal offset impact test and a second-best rating of "acceptable" for side impacts. Edmunds reviewers note that these are "excellent crash scores" from both agencies and should boost the Kia Optima's standing with the safety-conscious.

The refreshed Kia Optima offers a mixed bag of safety features. On the positive side, ConsumerGuide points out that "available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags." Cars.com adds that "active head restraints" are standard, but "unfortunately, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are grouped together in an option package; the Accord and Sonata include those features standard."

In terms of driver visibility, which is one oft-overlooked element of overall safety, the 2009 Kia Optima offers a better-than-average view. Kelley Blue Book feels that the 2009 Kia Optima provides a "nice balance between outward visibility and efficient aerodynamics," while ConsumerGuide reports that "visibility is fine in all directions."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Optima has reassuring crash-test scores, but safety-concerned shoppers will have to check some option boxes.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Unfortunately, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are grouped together in an option packageCars.comFive stars, front impact; five stars, side impactNHTSAGood," frontal offset impact; "acceptable," side impactIIHS The 2009 Kia Optima earns some of the best safety ratings of any vehicle on the road, but TheCarConnection.com's research reveals a few flaws with the Kia Optima's safety features. When it comes to crash-test ratings, you won't find many better than the 2009 Kia Optima's. NHTSA awards the Kia Optima perfect five-star ratings in both the front impact and side impact categories, while the Optima also scores four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS results are comforting as well, with the Kia Optima garnering the highest possible rating of "good" for the frontal offset impact test and a second-best rating of "acceptable" for side impacts. Edmunds reviewers note that these are "excellent crash scores" from both agencies and should boost the Kia Optima's standing with the safety-conscious. The refreshed Kia Optima offers a mixed bag of safety features. On the positive side, ConsumerGuide points out that "available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags." Cars.com adds that "active head restraints" are standard, but "unfortunately, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and traction control are grouped together in an option package; the Accord and Sonata include those features standard." In terms of driver visibility, which is one oft-overlooked element of overall safety, the 2009 Kia Optima offers a better-than-average view. Kelley Blue Book feels that the 2009 Kia Optima provides a "nice balance between outward visibility and efficient aerodynamics," while ConsumerGuide reports that "visibility is fine in all directions." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Optima has reassuring crash-test scores, but safety-concerned shoppers will have to check some option boxes.  2009 KIA OPTIMA STYLING | [5 out of 10] Cars.com: "New face seems derivative of a lot of other cars" Autoblog: "Though all the sheetmetal is new, the '09 Optima still looks as interesting as white bread" ConsumerGuide: "Shares its basic design with the Hyundai Sonata " J.D. Power: ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Thanks to its bargain base prices, which start several thousand dollars less than the Camry and Accord (which are admittedly plusher and more refined), the 2009 Kia Optima appeals to shoppers who want their money to go the furthest in a new mid-size sedan. Versus a smaller sedan or more luxurious used car, the Optima offers an enviable new-car warranty from Kia. Other direct competition might include the Dodge Avenger, which flaunts a distinctly American design inside and out. The Avenger falls behind due to its coarse powertrain and chintzy interior materials. The Fusion also has standout styling but is much more fun to drive than the Optima, even as a base four-cylinder model. The new Malibu, though it costs only slightly more, feels in a class above, with a swoopy interior design, high-grade materials, and a very refined driving experience.

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See the Kia Optima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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